Tempers flare in Bajan Parliament

(Barbados Nation) Tempers flared earlier today in Parliament when debate degenerated into a verbal assault on a Government MP, while an Opposition member was barred from continuing his presentation and threatened with further sanction.

The drama unfolded during the post-lunch session of debate on a resolution to grant B$614 000 from the Consolidated Fund to support Government’s National Summer Camps Programme.

During the session St Michael Central MP Steve Blackett accused the Opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) members of behaving as though they did “not liking poor people” because of their refusal to support programmes such as the free summer camps and free bus rides for school children.

However, when Christ Church West MP Dr William Duguid took to the floor, he charged that the entire Summer Camps Programme was a grand design by the ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP) to win the next general election.

The Christ Church West MP then launched a verbal attack on St James South MP Donville Inniss questioning his suitability even to serve as a camp counselor.

And with wild cross talk from floor, chairman of committees James Paul stopped Duguid in his tracks blasting his behaviour and preventing him from continuing his address to the House.

He also instructed that the offending comments be struck from the records.